Born of the Spirit

  In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
John 3:3,5

What did Nicodemus know about the kingdom? From the Bible, he knew it would be ruled by God, it would be restored on earth, and it would incorporate God's people. Jesus revealed to this devout Pharisee that the kingdom would come to the whole world, not just the Jews, and that Nicodemus would not be a part of it unless he was personally born-again. This was a revolutionary concept: the kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic, and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. Jesus later taught that God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns again to judge the world and abolish evil forever. It is impossible for man to have a new life without a new birth. Being a Christian is a great deal more than joining a church and making resolutions. It is experiencing a regeneration through a crucified Redeemer.
God Bless you,
JH

Love in Action

  Elijah was a man, just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for 3 1/2 years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone should bring him back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.   James 5:17-20

The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence and result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly and truthfully, live in obedience to God's Word, and love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God and each other. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Believe, faith, and trust must have hands and feet - ours! The only way a difference will be made here on earth in our decrepit society is by becoming one body through Christ, which is the church. The church needs to come together as never before in order to do God's will. Don't you think that it is long enough we have sat on the sidelines in the name of political correctness? We are so careful not to offend anyone, or to push our religion onto another. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me." He didn't say, "Don't offend anyone. Be nice. Be careful of other people's feelings. Show tolerance." Indeed, "They will hate you because of Me." It seems to me that we are playing by the world's rules. Let's see what God will do once we begin playing by His.
Share you faith today like you mean it,
God Bless you,

J.H